Container Lid

ABSTRACT

A resilient one-piece paint brush storage lid for storing a paint brush. The one-piece lid has a flat portion covering the container, a depending outer rim portion, and a raised tapered neck portion projecting above the flat portion, with an aperture in the raised neck portion, for slidably receiving a paint brush handle therethrough. The raised neck portion extending above the flat portion of the storage lid maintains a sufficiently strong grip on the handle of the brush so as to suspend the weight of the brush. The lid also includes a plurality of discrete steps extending inwardly from an interior surface of the rim portion, wherein each of the plurality of discrete steps is configured to sealingly engage at least a portion of a container opening of a different associated diameter.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/438,323, filed Feb. 1, 2011, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to lids, and, more particularly, to a lidfor a container having liquid having liquid stored therein.

BACKGROUND

Lids for paint cans are known in the prior art. Also, paint brushstorage devices are known in the prior art. It is a problem in the artto provide a convenient, inexpensive storage arrangement for bothstoring a paint brush overnight so that it does not need to be rinsedand cleaned, and to keep the brush from drying while at the same timecovering a container of liquid such as paint so that the paint does notevaporate.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,782,909 to McNamara teaches a liquid container with ahole. The hole is used to hold a brush which is lined with rubber toseal the brush in place.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,254,714 to McCombs teaches a combined marking pot andbrush. The brush is held in the paint by a funnel-shaped lid, andincludes a thick brush to fit in the hole so as to keep air out ofcontact with the paint.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,703,898 to Kellett teaches a combination brush stripperand liquid seal for containers. It includes a can for liquid having anopening at the top to secure a brush by using rubber lips to hold andseal the brush in place.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,262,556 to Morrison teaches a storage device for paintbrushes or the like. It includes a container for liquid, having a holelined with resilient material such as rubber to hold the brush neck.

U.S. Pat. No. 558,607 to Hollen teaches a lid with an opening in the topto hold a brush in liquid.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,363 to Wilson teaches a liquid container with arubber material used to hold the brush neck while the bristles are stillin the liquid.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,291,295 to Coligiuri teaches a liquid container having asponge rubber member to hold the brush.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,654,504 to Hyams teaches a can lid which keeps a brushsuspended in a can.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,262,753 to Brennan teaches a liquid container with anarrangement in the lid for holding a brush inside the container, as wellas to seal the can.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,687,179 to Peterson teaches a lid with a hole in it, thehole being surrounded by foam, for holding a brush in place.

U.S. Pat. No. 752,591 to Robinson teaches a lid for a can with a hole inthe middle for a brush, so that the brush stays wet.

U.S. Pat. No. 739,970 to Zimmerman teaches a lid for a can with a brush,having a wide cover to keep it in place.

U.S. Pat. No. 563,178 to Humphrey teaches a can with an attachment tohold a brush inside a sealed can.

U.S. Pat. No. 557,118 to Ellis teaches a can lid with a hinged opening,to seal during insertion of the brush into the lid.

U.S. Pat. No. 402,679 to Leggett teaches a can lid that rotates to havea brush to stick through the lid while the rest of the can is sealed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the claimed subject matter will be apparentfrom the following detailed description of embodiments consistenttherewith, which description should be considered with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a paint brush storage lid consistentwith the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top elevational view of the paint brush storage lid of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the paint brush storage lid of FIG.2, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the paint brush storage lid of FIG. 2covering a can of liquid and holding a brush (shown in phantom outline)therein;

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the paint brush storage lid of FIG. 2covering a can of liquid which is smaller in diameter than the paintbrush storage lid; and

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of a portion of the paint brush storagelid, showing a reduced material thickness in proximity to the elongatedaperture in the tapered neck portion;

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of another embodiment of a paint brushstorage lid, consistent with the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8 is an enlarged side sectional view of a portion of the paintbrush storage lid of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a paint brush storage lid 100 accordingto one embodiment consistent with the present disclosure. The paintbrush storage lid 100 is formed as a one-piece lid having a flat portion10 sized to cover to top opening portion of a paint can or othersuitable container 90 (hereinafter paint can). The flat portion 10 isbounded at its outer periphery by a rim portion 20 which extends belowthe flat portion 10. A hollow tapered neck portion 30 projects above theflat portion 10, and is oblong in a direction perpendicular to the planeof the flat portion 10. The hollow tapered neck portion 30 has a handleaperture 40 in the uppermost portion thereof, for slidably receiving andsupporting a paint brush handle 80 securely therethrough. Preferably,the handle aperture 40 has a reduced thickness 60 in proximity to thehandle aperture 40 for increased flexibility at the handle aperture 40.This enables the user to more easily insert the brush handle 80 throughthe handle aperture 40. The handle aperture 40 may be an aperture havingelongated parallel sides 42, with rounded ends 44.

In use, the paint brush handle 80 is adjustably positioned in the handleaperture 40 so that the paint brush fibers 82 extend downward into thepaint can 90, where the paint brush fibers 82 may be substantiallycovered by the liquid 15 in the paint can 90. The paint brush bristlesor fibers 82 can be immersed in the liquid 15 up to the ferrule portion84 of the paint brush 78.

The paint brush 78 handle 80 is adjustably positioned in the handleaperture 40 of the paint brush storage lid 100. Due to the resiliency ofthe rubber or rubber-like material used, the elongated aperture 40 inthe hollow tapered neck portion 30 maintains a sufficiently strong gripon the handle 80 of the brush 78 so as to suspend the weight of thebrush 78. A user can, by manual force, move the paint brush handle 80 upor down within the handle aperture 40 located in the top portion 50 ofthe hollow tapered neck portion 30, and the handle 80 will remain whereit has been left in the paint brush storage lid 100.

Thus, the paint brush storage lid 100 provides a convenient, inexpensivestorage arrangement for both storing a paint brush 78 so that it doesnot need to be rinsed and cleaned between use, and which keeps the brush78 from drying out while at the same time covering a container ofliquid, such as a paint can 90, so that the liquid 15 in the paint can90 does not evaporate.

In one embodiment, the paint brush storage lid 100 is formed as aone-piece resilient member, by molded construction, using a rubber orother resilient material, such as Synair Por-A-Mold 2060 flexiblerubber-like polyurethane. The thickness of the paint brush storage lid100 wall 17 may be in the range between a fraction of an inch (e.g.,1/16 inch) to one-quarter (¼) of an inch to suit the type of resilientmaterial used. As generally understood by one of ordinary skill in theart, the thickness of the lid 100 may vary depending upon the intendedapplication, and, as such, the thickness may be in the range of 1/64 ofan inch to 5 inches.

The color of the resilient material 20 may be clear, amber, or opaque,although coloring agents can be used. The color of the resilientmaterial 20 may be light transmissive, so that the user may visuallyposition the brush within the paint can 90 so that the paint brushfibers or bristles 82 are covered by the liquid 15. In otherembodiments, the resilient material 20 may be opaque and non-lighttransmissive.

FIG. 2 is a top elevational view of the paint brush storage lid ofFIG. 1. The oblong shape of the hollow tapered neck portion 30 isprovided to accommodate the generally elongated width of most paintbrushes 78. The handle aperture 40 is shown as being centered in themiddle of the top portion 50; however, it need not be centered therein.The hollow tapered neck portion 30 of the paint brush storage lid 100may be symmetrical, as shown in FIG. 2. Variations in size, shape, andpositioning of the hollow tapered neck portion 30 relative to the centerof the flat portion 10 are contemplated as being within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the paint brush storage lid 100 ofFIG. 2, taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2. In this view, a paint brush 78is shown in phantom outline, so that the use of the paint brush storagelid 100 is apparent. The paint brush handle 80 is held within the handleaperture 40 of the paint brush storage lid 100, and is slidably receivedwithin the handle aperture 40 so that the paint brush bristles or fibers82 are positioned in relation to the height of the liquid 15 within thepaint can 90. In this view, it is apparent that the entire paint brushstorage lid 100 is formed so that it is relatively thin, and thereforeit is readily resilient, deformable, lightweight, and inexpensive tomold.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the paint brush storage lid 100similar to that of FIG. 3, together with a paint can 90 containing aliquid 15, and holding a paint brush 78 (shown in phantom outline)therein. In this view, the liquid level 16 is relatively low, and coversonly a portion of the bristles of the brush 80; accordingly, the brushhandle 80 can be pushed further into the aperture 40 of the paint brushstorage lid 100, so that a greater portion of the paint brush bristlesor fibers 82 are covered by the liquid 15. The liquid 15 may, forexample, be paint, varnish, paint thinner, or other liquid material thatmay be subject to evaporation.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the paint brush storage lid 100similar to that of FIG. 3, covering a can of liquid 110 which is smallerin diameter than the paint brush storage lid 100. The paint brushstorage lid 100 is sized so that it can cover most typical paint can 90sizes. However, it is not necessary that the paint brush storage lid 100fit in a snug manner about the top opening in a paint can 90, rather theflat portion 10 of the paint brush storage lid 100 may simply rest uponthe upper rim 92 of a can 90 of liquid 15 such as a paint can 90.Instead, the paint brush storage lid 100 is intentionally designed to beoversized, so that it will fit a wide variety of paint cans 90.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the storage lid,showing a reduced material thickness 60 in proximity to the elongatedhandle aperture 40 in the tapered neck portion 30 of the storage lid100.

Several sizes of paint brush storage lids 100 may be provided to suitthe needs of various users, such as for artists using small containers,for painters using up to five gallon containers; and for industrialusers using up to 55 gallon containers.

Due to the use of resilient material 20 for the forming of the paintbrush storage lid 100, a sufficiently good seal is provided between theflat portion 10 of the paint brush storage lid 100 and the upper rim 92of a paint can 90. This aids in preventing evaporation of the liquid,and stops the drying of the brush bristles 82. In this manner, the paintbrush 90 can be stored in the paint can 110 for extended periods of timeduring repeated use, such as overnight, or even weeks.

When the user is ready to use the brush 78, the paint brush storage lid100 is raised from the upper rim 92 of the paint can 90, and the paintbrush handle 80 is withdrawn from the handle aperture 40 by pulling thepaint brush from within the hollow tapered neck portion 30. The user maythen use the paint brush 78 in a typical manner, dipping the paint brushbristles 82 into the liquid 15 as needed.

Upon completion of the painting assignment, or when a break frompainting is planned, the paint brush handle 80 is inserted into thehandle aperture 40 through the raised, hollow tapered neck portion 30.The paint brush storage lid 100 is then replaced upon the upper rim 92of the paint can, immersing the paint brush bristles 82 into the liquidin the paint can 90. As paint or other liquid 15 is withdrawn from thepaint can 90, the paint brush handle 80 is lowered in the handleaperture 40 so that the paint brush bristles 82 remain coated by theliquid 15 in the paint can 90. This ensures that the paint brushbristles 82 will not dry out overnight, on weekends, or during paintbreaks, and eliminates the need for cleaning the brush 82 between use,while reducing evaporation of the liquid within the container 90.

FIG. 7 is side sectional view of another embodiment of a lid, consistentwith the present disclosure. The lid 200 may be similar to the lid 100shown in FIGS. 1-6, wherein like numerals represent like parts. In theillustrated embodiment, the lid 200 includes a flat portion 210configured to cover a top opening portion of a container, such as apaint can. The lid 200 also includes a rim portion 220 downwardlydepending from at least an outer periphery of the flat portion 210. Thelid 200 may further include a hollow tapered neck portion 230 projectingabove the flat portion 210. The hollow tapered neck portion 230 may beoblong in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the flat portion210. The hollow tapered neck portion 230 may include a handle aperture240 defined in a top portion 250 of the neck portion 230. The handleaperture 240 may be sized and/or shaped to slidably receive and supporta paint brush handle, as similarly shown in FIG. 3, for example.

The lid 200 further includes a plurality of discrete steps 224 extendinginwardly from an interior surface 222 of the rim portion 220. Each ofthe plurality of discrete steps 224 is configured to sealingly engage atleast a portion of a container opening of a different associateddiameter. The plurality of discrete steps 224 may be configured toprovide a seal between the lid 200 and the container.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged side sectional view of a portion of the paintbrush storage lid of FIG. 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 200may include a first discrete step 226 a, a second discrete step 222 b,and a third discrete step 226 c. The discrete steps 226 a-226 c may beconfigured to sealingly engage top opening portions of containers ofdifferent diameters. For example, the first discrete step 222 a may beconfigured to sealingly engage a top opening portion of a containerhaving a first diameter. The second discrete step 222 b may beconfigured to sealingly engage a top opening portion of a containerhaving a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is larger than thefirst diameter. The third discrete step 226 c may be configured tosealingly engage a top opening portion of a container having a thirddiameter, wherein the third diameter is larger than the first and seconddiameters. As such, the lid 200 is configured to be securely coupled toa variety of container diameters. For example, with regard to paintcontainers, the lid 200 may be configured to be securely coupled to thestandard paint container sizes.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of discrete steps 224extend along the entire periphery of the interior surface 222 of the rimportion 220. In other embodiments, the plurality of discrete steps 224may extend along portions of the periphery of the interior surface 222of the rim portion 220. The plurality of discrete steps 224 aregenerally semi-circular in cross section. It is to be understood,however, that variations in size, shape, and/or positioning of theplurality of discrete steps 224 are contemplated as being within thescope of the present disclosure. For example, in another embodiment, theplurality of discrete steps 224 may be generally semi-rectangular incross section, having substantially planar sides. In one embodiment, theplurality of discrete steps 224 may be integrally formed with the lid200 as a one-piece resilient member, by molded construction. In otherembodiments, the plurality of discrete steps 224 may be separatelyformed from the lid 200.

The plurality of discrete steps 224 may comprise a resilient and durablematerial capable of elastic expansion when a force is applied theretoand elastic recovery when the force is removed therefrom. Each of theplurality of discrete steps 224 may be capable of elastically conformingto the shape of the opening of a container of an associated diameterwhen the lid 200 is positioned over the opening of the container. Thematerial may include, but is not limited to, either natural or syntheticmaterials such as polymers and/or co-polymers. Examples may includepolyurethane, latex, natural rubber, nylon (polyamides), polyester,polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, fluoroplastics, block copolymers,polyethers and composites thereof.

It is to be understood that the lid 200 may be configured to seal a widevariety of containers having varying sizes and/or dimensions, and is notlimited to those shown herein. For example, the lid 200 may be shapedand/or sized to sealingly engage a generally circular container, asshown herein. In other embodiments, the lid 200 may be shaped and/orsized to sealing engage a generally rectangular container or generallyoblong container. It is also to be understood that the lid 200 may notbe limited to storage of a paint brush. For example, in one embodiment,the lid 200 may include a means of dispensing liquid from a container towhich it is securely coupled, such as a spout or an applicator.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided alid for a container. The lid includes a flat portion configured to covera top opening portion of the container and a rim portion downwardlydepending from the flat portion. The lid further includes a plurality ofdiscrete steps extending inwardly from an interior surface of the rimportion. Each of the plurality of discrete steps are configured tosealingly engage at least a portion of a container opening of adifferent associated diameter.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provideda lid for a container. The lid includes a flat portion configured tocover a top opening portion of the container. The lid further includes ahollow tapered neck portion upwardly extending from the flat portion.The neck portion has an oblong shape in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to a plane of the flat portion. The lid further includesan elongated aperture formed within an uppermost portion of the neckportion. The elongated aperture is configured to slidably receive andreleasably secure a portion of a paint brush handle therethrough. Thelid further includes a rim portion downwardly depending from the flatportion. A plurality of discrete steps extend inwardly from an interiorsurface of the rim portion. Each of the plurality of discrete steps isconfigured to sealingly engage at least a portion of a container openingof a different associated diameter.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there isprovided a lid for a container. The lid includes a flat portionconfigured to cover a top opening portion of the container and a hollowtapered neck portion upwardly extending from the flat portion. The neckportion has an oblong shape in a direction substantially perpendicularto a plane of the flat portion. The neck portion is configured toreceive and accommodate a portion of a paint brush handle with aplurality of bristles extending from the handle. The lid furtherincludes an elongated aperture formed within an uppermost portion of theneck portion. The elongated aperture is configured to slidably receiveand releasably secure the portion of the paint brush handletherethrough. The portion of the paint brush handle is adjustablypositioned through the elongated aperture to position the plurality ofpaint brush bristles substantially within the container for temporarystorage regardless of a level of liquid in the container.

The lid further includes a rim portion downwardly depending from theflat portion. A plurality of discrete steps extend inwardly from aninterior surface of the rim portion. Each of the plurality of discretesteps is configured to sealingly engage at least a portion of acontainer opening of a different associated diameter. The plurality ofdiscrete steps includes a resilient and flexible material configured toelastically conform to a shape of a container opening.

While several embodiments of the present invention have been describedand illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readilyenvision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing thefunctions and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of theadvantages described herein, and each of such variations and/ormodifications is deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatall parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations describedherein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters,dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon thespecific application or applications for which the teachings of thepresent invention is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize,or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, manyequivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention describedherein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoingembodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within thescope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the invention maybe practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Thepresent invention is directed to each individual feature, system,article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, anycombination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials,kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials,kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included withinthe scope of the present invention.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood tocontrol over dictionary definitions, definitions in documentsincorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the definedterms.

The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in thespecification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to thecontrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in theclaims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements soconjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some casesand disjunctively present in other cases. Other elements may optionallybe present other than the elements specifically identified by the“and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elementsspecifically identified, unless clearly indicated to the contrary.

1. A lid for a container, said lid comprising: a flat portion configuredto cover a top opening portion of said container; a rim portiondownwardly depending from said flat portion; and a plurality of discretesteps extending inwardly from an interior surface of said rim portion,each of said plurality of discrete steps being configured to sealinglyengage at least a portion of a container opening of a differentassociated diameter.
 2. The lid of claim 1 wherein at least one of saidplurality of discrete steps are configured to elastically conform to ashape of an opening of a container when said lid is positioned over saidopening of said container.
 3. The lid of claim 2 wherein said at leastone of said plurality of discrete steps is configured to provide a sealbetween said lid and said container.
 4. The lid of claim 1 wherein saidplurality of discrete steps extend along an entire periphery of saidinterior surface of said rim portion.
 5. The lid of claim 1 wherein saidplurality of discrete steps are integrally formed with said lid as aunitary structure.
 6. The lid of claim 1 wherein said lid comprises aresilient, light transmissive material configured to provide visualindication of a level of liquid within said container.
 7. The lid ofclaim 1 further comprising a dispensing portion extending from said flatportion, said dispensing portion configured to dispense a liquid fromsaid container while said lid is coupled to said container.
 8. A lid fora container, said lid comprising: a flat portion configured to cover atop opening portion of said container; a hollow tapered neck portionupwardly extending from said flat portion, said neck portion having anoblong shape in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane ofsaid flat portion; an elongated aperture formed within an uppermostportion of said neck portion, said elongated aperture configured toslidably receive and releasably secure a portion of a paint brush handletherethrough; a rim portion downwardly depending from said flat portion;and a plurality of discrete steps extending inwardly from an interiorsurface of said rim portion, each of said plurality of discrete stepsbeing configured to sealingly engage at least a portion of a containeropening of a different associated diameter.
 9. The lid of claim 8wherein said lid comprises a resilient, light transmissive materialconfigured to provide visual indication of a position of a plurality ofpaint brush bristles extending from said portion of said paint brushhandle in relation to a level of liquid within said container.
 10. Thelid of claim 8 wherein said portion of said paint brush handle isadjustably positioned in said elongated aperture to position a pluralityof paint brush bristles extending from said paint brush handle into aliquid of said container for storage.
 11. The lid of claim 10 whereinsaid paint brush handle is positioned through said elongated aperturelocated beneath said hollow tapered neck portion to position and immersesaid plurality of paint brush bristles substantially within said liquidin said container and to store said paint brush without cleaning betweena first use and a second use.
 12. The lid of claim 8 wherein at leastone of said plurality of discrete steps are configured to elasticallyconform to a shape of an opening of a container when said lid ispositioned over said opening of said container.
 13. The lid of claim 12wherein said at least one of said plurality of discrete steps isconfigured to provide a seal between said lid and said container. 14.The lid of claim 13 wherein said at least one of said plurality ofdiscrete steps is configured provide a seal between said lid and saidcontainer so as to prevent substantial evaporation of a liquid withinsaid container.
 15. The lid of claim 8 wherein said plurality ofdiscrete steps extend along an entire periphery of said interior surfaceof said rim portion.
 16. The lid of claim 8 wherein a liquid storedwithin said container is selected from the group consisting of paint,varnish, paint thinner, and other liquid material subject to evaporationover time.
 17. The lid of claim 8 wherein said elongated aperture haselongated parallel sides and rounded ends sized to receive said portionof said paint brush handle therethrough and wherein said elongatedaperture has a reduced wall thickness extending about a periphery ofsaid elongated aperture.
 18. A lid for a container, said lid comprising:a flat portion configured to cover a top opening portion of saidcontainer; a hollow tapered neck portion upwardly extending from saidflat portion, said neck portion having an oblong shape in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to a plane of said flat portion, said neckportion configured to receive and accommodate a portion of a paint brushhandle with a plurality of bristles extending from said handle; anelongated aperture formed within an uppermost portion of said neckportion, said elongated aperture configured to slidably receive andreleasably secure said portion of said paint brush handle therethrough,said portion of said paint brush handle being adjustably positionedthrough said elongated aperture to position said plurality of paintbrush bristles substantially within said container for temporary storageregardless of a level of liquid in said container; a rim portiondownwardly depending from said flat portion; and a plurality of discretesteps extending inwardly from an interior surface of said rim portion,each of said plurality of discrete steps being configured to sealinglyengage at least a portion of a container opening of a differentassociated diameter, said plurality of discrete steps comprising aresilient and flexible material configured to elastically conform to ashape of a container opening.
 19. The lid of claim 18 wherein said lidcomprises a resilient, light transmissive material configured to providevisual indication of a position of said plurality of paint brushbristles extending from said portion of said paint brush handle inrelation to said level of liquid within said container.
 20. The lid ofclaim 18 wherein said plurality of discrete steps extend along an entireperiphery of said interior surface of said rim portion.